Device for use with a comb



0. A. RUFFIN 3,4193% DEVICE FOR USE WITH A COMB Filed May 25, 1966 I. 1 k n a a t! 28 I L f f"27 E- r C H C C C i c 5'' 37v c 48 f c c C C C 5 370v C I F *2 C I C C I i C 5/40 9 C w C f C "'23 C C C C C C T H 1 20 I INVENTOR sh A 6 DOROTHY A. RUFFIN United States Patent 3,419,021 DEVICE FOR USE WITH A COMB Dorothy Ann Ruflin, 1103 Stagecoach Road SW., Albuquerque, N. Mex. 87112 Filed May 23, 1966, Ser. No. 552,063 7 Claims. (Cl. 132-112) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Device for use with a comb including a case into which a comb is inserted with manually operable means for controlling application of liquid to the teeth of the comb from a chamber disposed generally parallel to the comb.

This invention relates to a device for use with a comb and more particularly to a portable compact device in which a comb can be carried in a pocket or purse and which permits the convenient and uniform application of a desired quantity of oil or water to the comb when desired and without allowing the liquid to contact the fingers, the pocket or the contents of a purse.

This invention was evolved with the general object of avoiding the fuss and mess normally associated with the application of oil or Water to the hair and of the permitting oil or water to be applied whenever and wherever desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which is readily and economically manufacturable while being readily operable, durable and efficient.

According to this invention, a case is provided having a narrow slot therein for receiving a comb with liquid applying means in the case for applying the liquid to the comb. Preferably, the slot is dimensioned so that only a small part of the comb projects therefrom for removal of the comb from the case. With this arrangement, the device can be carried in a pocket or in a purse and oil or water can be applied to the comb wherever or whenever desired, without allowing the oil or water to contact the fingers or the insides or contents of the pocket or purse.

According to a specific feature of the invention, the liquid applying means comprises brush means adapted to extend between the teeth of the comb.

According to another specific feature of the invention, the brush means project from an elongated element supported in the case on an axis parallel to the plane of the teeth, with means being provided for manually rotating the element about the axis, to obtain uniform application of the liquid to the comb teeth. Preferably, the manually operable means comprises a wheel having diametrically opposite portions projecting from opposite sides of the case.

According to another specific feature of the invention, the liquid applying means comprises a liquid conduit extending in generally parallel relation to the plane of the comb teeth and having a plurality of openings therefrom for feeding liquid into the spaces between the teeth.

Another feature of the invention is in the provision of means in the case defining a liquid chamber extending in parallel relation to the comb teeth, and manually operable plunger means for pressurizing the liquid in the chamber to cause liquid to flow therefrom into the spaces between the comb teeth.

According to a further specific feature of the invention, the manually operable plunger means for pressurizing the liquid in the chamber includes a hollow cylindrical element having an air vent opening.

Further important features of the invention reside in the particular construction of the case, the liquid applying means and the pressurizing means, such that the device is readily and economically manufacturable, while being durable and efficient and having other desirable features.

This invention contemplates other objects, features and advantages which will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a device for use with a comb, constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the device of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of the device of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line IV-IV of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along line VV of FIGURE 4.

Reference numeral 10 generally designates a device constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention, designed for use with a comb 11 of conventional configuration, including a base portion 12 and teeth 13 projecting therefrom in coplanar relation.

The device 10 comprises a case 14 having a narrow slot 15 therein for receiving the comb 11, the slot 15 being dimensioned so that a small part of the comb projects therefrom so as to permit the removal of the comb from the case. Preferably, a narrow edge portion of the base portion 12 of the comb 11 projects from the slot 15.

An important feature of the invention resides in the provision of liquid applying means for applying oil or water to the comb 11 while it is in the case 14. The illustrated liquid applying means comprises a brush including bristles 16 projecting from an elongated member 18 having an axis parallel to the plane of the teeth 13. Preferably, the member 18 is in the form of a hollow shaft into which the liquid is supplied, with a series of openings 19 in the wall of the shaft 18, for flow of the liquid into the space between the bristles 16.

According to a further feature, the shaft 18 is journaled for rotation about its axis and is manually rota-table by means of a wheel 20 connected to one end thereof through a reduced diameter portion 21, with diametrically opposite portions of the wheel 20 projecting from the case 14, so that it may be readily rotated. Thus, the liquid supplied into the space between the bristles 16 may be caused to flow into the space between the teeth 13 of the comb 11, to be uniformly applied thereto.

The liquid applying means further includes a chamber 23 formed in the case 14 in parallel relation to the comb 11. Plunger means generally designated by a reference numeral 24 are provided for pressurizing liquid within the chamber 23 and a tube 25 is provided extending from one end of the chamber 23 (the lower end in the illustrated position of the device) through an upper wall of the chamber and back downwardly into the upper end of the hollow shaft 18 to supply the liquid thereto and to provide a bearing for rotation thereof. If desired, the openings do not need to be of uniform size. For example, the openings 19 closest to the end of the shaft 18 into which the liquid is supplied may be made smaller than those at the opposite end, to obtain a more uniform supply of liquid along the length of the comb.

To form the plunger means 24, a hollow cylindrical element 26 is provided which is journaled for axial movement in a tubular sleeve portion 27 of the case 14. A coiled compression spring 28 is provided on the element 26 to act between the case 14 and an enlarged head portion 29 of the element 26, so as to urge the element 26 outwardly. Outward movement is limited by an enlarged portion 30 at the inner end of the element 26, engageable with the inner end of the sleeve portion 27.

The element 26 is provided with an end wall 31 having a central small air vent opening 32 therein, the opening 32 being covered by the finger when the element 26 is actuated to pressurize the liquid within the chamber 23. A screw cap 34 is threaded onto a sleeve portion 35 of the case 14 and has an extension 36 engageable with the wall 31 to close the opening 32 and to prevent escape of liquid when the device is carried in a pocket or purse.

To form the case 14, a pair of generally rectangular wall portions 37 and 38 are provided in parallel relation, spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the comb 11, to receive the comb therebetween. The wall portion 37 has a portion 37a which is bowed outwardly to provide space for the bristles 16 to move. It will be noted that the bristles 16, in addition to providing for the distribution of liquid, also serve a desirable function in frictionally holding the comb in position in the case.

The case 14 further includes a wall portion 39 extending between intermediate portions of the rectangular wall sections 37 and 38 to be positioned adjacent the ends of the comb teeth 13, and another wall portion 40 in parallel spaced relation to the wall portion 39 and cooperating therewith, and with portions of the Wall portions 37 and 38 to define the liquid chamber 23.

The case 14 additionally includes wall portions 41 and 42 adjacent the ends of the comb 11, a projection of the wall 41 forming one end of the liquid chamber 23, on which the plunger assembly 24 is supported, the sleeve portion 23 being integral with the wall portion 41. A generally box-like section 43 is supported from the outer face of the wall portion 41 to enclose the reverse bend portion of the tube 25. A section 4-4 is supported from the wall portion 42 and has an opening in which the wheel 20 is movable. An end wall 45 of the section 44 is extended to form an end wall of the chamber 23 and has a threaded opening 46 to receive a screw 47, removable for filling the chamber 23 with oil or water. The head of the screw preferably covers a small hole or groove 46a for air, which may have a transverse dimension of 0.02 inch, for example.

A further feature 'of the device is in the provision of a mirror 48 on the flat planar wall portion 38, adding to the usefulness of the device.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of this invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device for use with a comb including a base portion and teeth projetcing in coplanar relation from said base portion, a case having a narrow slot therein for receiving the comb, said slot being dimensioned so that a small part of the comb projects therefrom for removal of the comb from the case, and liquid applying means in said case for applying a liquid to the comb, comprising: means in said case defining a. liquid chamber extending in generally parallel relation to the comb, and manually operable means for controlling application of liquid from said chamber to said teeth of the comb.

2. In a device as defined in claim 1, said manually operable means being normally in a first position to inhibit flow of liquid from said chamber and being actutable 4 to a second position for application of the liquid to said teeth of the comb.

3. In a device for use with a comb including a base portion and teeth projecting in coplanar relation from said base portion, a case having a narrow slot therein for receiving the comb, said slot being dimensioned so that a small part of the comb projects therefrom for removal of the comb from the case, and liquid applying means in said case for applying a liquid to the comb, comprising: means in said case defining a liquid chamber extending in generally parallel relation to the comb, means defining paths for flow of liquid from said chamber into the space between said teeth, and manually operable plunger means for pressurizing the liquid in said chamber.

4. In a device as defined in claim 3, said plunger means comprising a hollow cylindrical element projecting from one end of said case and into said chamber, a coiled compression spring on said element to urge said element outwardly, an outer end wall on said element having a small air vent opening therein, and a screw cap disposed over said element.

5. In a device as defined in claim 3, said plunger means being located at one end of said chamber, and means providing a closable refill opening at the opposite end of said chamber.

6. In a device for use with a comb including a base portion and teeth projecting in coplanar relation from said base portion, a case having a narrow slot therein for receiving the comb, said slot being dimensioned so that a small part of the comb projects therefrom for removal of the comb from the case, and liquid applying means in said case for applying a liquid to the comb, said case comprising first and second parallel generally rectangular wall portions spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the comb to receive the comb therebetween, third and fourth wall portions connecting end portions of said first and second rectangular wall portions to be positioned adjacent the opposite ends of the comb, a fifth wall portion extending between intermediate portions of said first and second Wall portions to be positioned adjacent the ends on the comb teeth, a sixth wall portion in parallel spaced relation to said fifth wall portion and cooperating with said fifth wall portion and portions of said first, second, third and fourth wall portions to define a liquid chamber in generally parallel relation to the comb, and means defining liquid passages from said chamber to supply liquid into the spaces between the comb teeth.

7. In a device as defined in claim 6, mirror means on the outside surface of said second wall portion of said case.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,282,774 10/1918 Dollison 1539 2,565,889 8/1951 Schroer l32-ll2 LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT PESHOCK, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 132-79, 147 

